Part-time play for Ethier?
11:32
AM ETAndre Ethier | Dodgers Recommend0Comments0EmailLos Angeles Dodgers skipper Don Mattingly would not commit to Andre Ethier's role in 2013 and hinted that he could sit versus left-handed pitching.
Ethier does just fine against right-handers but is batting just .214 versus southpaws, .236 for his career.
"I can say all day long that I think he's capable of hitting against lefties, but if the numbers keep telling us that maybe he can't, then we have to go a different route," Mattingly said.
If the club does plan to use Ethier primarily against right-handed pitchers, they could be in the market for a platoon partner this winter.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Los Angeles Dodgers, Andre Ethier
New outfield for NYM?
10:56
AM ETNew York Mets Recommend0Comments2EmailWhile the New York Mets aren't likely to release left fielder Jason Bay, it doesn't appear they will aggressive in terms of chasing big-name free agent outfielders, either, writes Andy Martino of the New York Daily News.
Martino specifically names Michael Bourn, B.J. Upton and Shane Victorino -- all centerfielders -- but a any of the one-year ilk could be in play.
Among the possibilities include Juan Pierre, but it's more likely the club checks the trade route to avoid spending big dollars.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Juan Pierre, Michael Bourn, B.J. Upton, Shane Victorino, New York Mets
Potential Cubs targets
9:41
AM ETChicago Cubs Recommend0Comments1EmailTop free agent startersZack Greinke, RHPEdwin Jackson, RHPHiroki Kuroda, RHPRyan Dempster, RHPJeremy Guthrie, RHPShaun Marcum, RHPFrancisco Liriano, LHPDaisuke Matsuzaka, RHPAnibal Sanchez, RHPThe Chicago Cubs are planning to vastly improve their starting pitching this coming offseason and could spend big on a free agent or two. Any of the top free agents -- see right -- could be in play as the club has significant payroll flexibility.
Team president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer could also look to the trade route where right-handers Josh Johnson and James Shields, and Phillies southpaw Cliff Lee could be available.
Additional free agents could hit the market if their current clubs decline 2013 options, including Jake Peavy and Dan Haren.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Chicago Cubs, Anibal Sanchez, Josh Johnson, Cliff Lee, James Shields, Shaun Marcum, Francisco Liriano, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Edwin Jackson, Hiroki Kuroda, Zack Greinke, Jake Peavy, Dan Haren
Drew's options may include A's
9:09
AM ETStephen Drew | Athletics Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Oakland Athletics don't typically spend money on free agents but in a way, they could do just that with Stephen Drew, writes Susan Slusser.
Drew's 2013 option is worth $10 million, which Slusser points out would be the highest salary on the club next season. But a healthy Drew may be well worth the one-year commitment, as he's displaying at the plate the past week or so.
Drew's option is of the mutual variety, however, so if the shortstop wishes to test the free agent market, he'll be allowed to do so. Considering the lack of shortstops available, the 28-year-old could cash in on a multi-year contract, perhaps as much as the deal Baltimore handed J.J. Hardy a year ago -- 3-years, $22.5 million.
If Drew bolts Oakland after the season, Cliff Penning becomes the club's top option at shortstop, unless they check the trade and free agent markets for additional help.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Oakland Athletics, J.J. Hardy, Cliff Pennington, Stephen Drew
Extension for Dickey?
8:34
AM ETR.A. Dickey | Mets Recommend0Comments0EmailNew York Mets right-hander R.A. Dickey is signed through 2013, but he just picked up win No. 20 and the knuckleballer may win the National League Cy Young Award in November, suggesting his next contract will bring greater riches.
Dickey will make just $5 million next season, but he believes his leverage has improved, and with the way he's pitched this year, he's probably right.
Dickey will turn 38 this fall, but his knuckle ball doesn't require youth for long-term success, as prior knuckle ball specialists can attest. The Mets are again likely to attempt to stay with a two-year deal, but Dickey could hit the open market 13 months from now.
Dickey also said this week that the club's approach to keeping David Wright will weigh heavily on his decision to stay or test free agency.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:R.A. Dickey, New York Mets, David Wright
New CF for Seattle?
8:19
AM ETFranklin Gutierrez | Mariners Recommend0Comments0EmailCenter Field OptionsB.J. Upton -- Free AgentDenard Span -- Minnesota TwinsChris Young -- Arizona DiamondbacksJuan Pierre -- Free AgentShane Victorino -- Free AgentJacoby Ellsbury -- Boston Red SoxMichael Bourn -- Free AgentAngel Pagan -- Free AgentThe Seattle Mariners may feel the need to find a new centerfielder for 2013 and beyond, despite the fact that Franklin Gutierrez is under contract through 2013.
Gutierrez, who has played in just 130 games combined over the past two seasons, injured himself again Thursday crashing into the outfield wall in Anaheim. The M's removed Gutierrez from the game as a precaution, but the 29-year-old said he feels fine after experiencing some dizzy spells.
Gutierrez has suffered a concussion this season, along with heel and a pectoral injuries that delayed the start of his season. He also missed nearly half of 2011 with a stomach ailment, though that appears to be under control.
He's owed $7 million guaranteed for 2013 and the Mariners have an option on 2014 for $7.5 million, but they can exercise a buyout for a half million.
Seattle is thirsting for offense, but perhaps even more so need reliable veterans and Gutierrez doesn't fit that bill. Don't be surprised if GM Jack Zduriencik looks for a relatively inexpensive centerfielder over the offseason. One who can serve as a fourth outfielder or slide into left field should Gutierrez again grab hold of the job and fly.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Seattle Mariners, Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino, Juan Pierre, Chris Young, Angel Pagan, Peter Bourjos, Michael Bourn, B.J. Upton, Denard Span, Seattle Mariners, Franklin Gutierrez
Limits for Darvish?
8:02
AM ETYu Darvish | Rangers Recommend0Comments0EmailYu Darvish, who had his last start skipped due to neck stiffness, appears to be on track to make his next one Sunday, tweets Anthony Andro. Darvish would then on track to start one of the first two games of the league division series.
Matt Harrison, the club's most consistent starter, may go in Game 1, leaving Game 2 for the first-year major leaguer.
Darvish could be on an abbreviated pitch count for Sunday, just to make sure he's not pushed too far after the crick in his neck, and also to keep him fresh for the postseason.
He's used to a heavy workload, however, and there has been no word on any kind of limitations.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Texas Rangers, Matt Harrison, Yu Darvish
Scherzer out a while?
7:26
AM ETMax Scherzer | Tigers Recommend0Comments0EmailDrew Smyly will start for Max Scherzer Friday, tweeted Bob Nghtengale Thursday, robbing the Detroit Tigers of an opportunity to take another step toward the postseason with their best possible starter on the mound. There's no word on how long Scherzer will be out but there is time for him to make one more start in the regular season.
The club, however, isn't sure when Scherzer will return and Lynn Henning tweets that privately the team is concerned the right-hander will miss more than just a start or two.
If the Tigers make the postseason and Scherzer is unavailable, the club may go with three starters -- likely a trio of Justin Verlander, Doug Fister and Anibal Sanchez -- and if they need a fourth they could choose between Rick Porcello and Smyly. Smyly is no sure thing to make the postseason roster, however.
An MRI earlier this week revealed no structural damage in Scherzer's shoulder, so it appears the issue is short-term.
- Jason A> Churchill
Tags
rew Smyly, Justin Verlander, Doug Fister, Rick Porcello, Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers
Mauer's position in 2013
7:09
AM ETJoe Mauer | Twins Recommend0Comments0EmailJoe Mauer, an all-star catcher with well above average defensive skills, has played first base 30 times and served as the DH some this season. If that trend leaks into 2013, the club's winter to-do list is likely to be different than if Mauer was to go back to catching, say, 125 games, opines Tom Powers.
If the Twins plan to use Mauer at all three spots next season, GM Terry Ryan may be on the lookout for a third catcher to rotate with Mauer and Ryan Doumit. Doumit is not a strong defender, but his bat is valuable and needs to remain in the lineup.
With Justin Morneau climbing back into form, there may not be 30 games available for Mauer to play the position next year, unless the club fields calls on Morneau, whop will be entering the final year of his contract, and could conceivably become trade bait this winter.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Ryan Doumit, Minnesota Twins
September 27, 2012Trading Masterson
4:07
PM ETJustin Masterson | Indians Recommend0Comments1EmailJustin Masterson has had a rough year after posting career bests in ERA (3.21) and wins (12) a year ago. The right-hander has reverted back to his struggles with control, suggesting perhaps a role change is in order. He's also arbitration eligible again this offseason, which could prompt the Indians to try and trade him.
Masterson could earn between $5 million and $7 million next season after making $3.825 million this year. He's long been thought by some scouts to be more of a reliever due to his control issues and the lack of a weapon versus left-handed batters.
The Indians, therefore, may have a tough time trading Masterson and could end up non-tendering him to avoid the hefty salary. If that occurs, he'll be a free agent at which time several clubs could jump into the fray.
Masterson could be dominant as a right-handed reliever, facing primarily right-handed batters whom he's held to a .617 OPS this season.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Cleveland Indians, Justin Masterson
September 27, 2012Managerial candidates for Tribe
3:09
PM ETCleveland Indians Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Cleveland Indians have announced that Manny Acta has been relieved of his duties as manager of the club, putting in motion their search for his replacement.
The search is likely to span several candidates, perhaps including former Red Sox manager Terry Francona and Indians' Triple-A skipper Mike Sarbaugh.
Sandy Alomar, Jr., who has taken over the helm for the rest of the regular season, could also be a legitimate candidate for the long-term.
Torey Lovullo, Jose Oquendo, Joe McEwing and Tim Bogar could also me on the Indians' list to interview, among many other possibilities.
Last week, ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden wrote about 10 managerial candidates, including Ryne Sandberg, Pat Listach, Dave Martinez and DeMarlo Hale. Others to consider include Joey Cora, Pete Mackanin, Chris Maloney and Tom Runnells. Mackanin and Maloney have been finalists before, as have Hale and Martinez.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Cleveland Indians
September 27, 2012Berkman's status
2:51
PM ETSt. Louis Cardinals Recommend0Comments0EmailThe St. Louis Cardinals are not optimistic that they will be at full strength or the postseason, reported Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch earlier this week, with veterans Rafael Furcal and Lance Berkman not likely to return this season.
General manager John Mozeliak said "time is not on our side," with either player. Furcal's elbow injury could linger into next season if he ultimately needs surgery and Berkman, who may consider retirement, just began swinging a bat during his recover from knee surgery. He is still aiming to return before next week's regular season finale.
The Cardinals are using Allen Craig at first base and a combination of Pete Kozma and Daniel Descalso at shortstop, and it appears that will be the alignment during the postseason, too.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:St. Louis Cardinals, Pete Kozma, Daniel Descalso, Lance Berkman, Rafael Furcal
September 27, 2012Izzy leaning?
2:48
PM ETJason Isringhausen | Angels Recommend0Comments1EmailHe's 40 years old and has made just four appearances in September, which may be feeding Jason Isringhausen's decision to retire, reports MLB.com.
The right-hander said there's a 70 percent chance this is his last season, citing his family as a big reason why he'd call it quits.
Isringhausen's departure wouldn't impact the Halos bullpen much, as he was being used in low-leverage situations, but he's pitched well enough to expect some team to make him a minor league offer should he decide to play one more year.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Los Angeles Angels, Jason Isringhausen
September 27, 2012A's rotation without Anderson
2:40
PM ETOakland Athletics Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Oakland Athletics are in good position to lock up a playoff berth and if they do, their starting rotation is a bit up in the air.
Their ace, Brandon McCarthy, is out, their veteran horse, Bartolo Colon, may be able to return at some point next month and contribute and lefty Brett Anderson is dealing with an oblique strain.
Without those three, the A's playoff rotation likely will consist of Jarrod Parker, A.J. Griffin, Tom Milone and Dan Straily -- all rookies. Anderson, however, is working his way back and appears to be on target for the league division series, if the A's get that far.
Whether or not Anderson starts or is used in relief remains to be seen -- he's also coming off Tommy John surgery -- but if he does the most likely candidate to be shifted out of the rotation is Straily.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Bartolo Colon, Brandon McCarthy, Oakland Athletics, Jarrod Parker, A.J. Griffin, Tommy Milone, Brett Anderson, Dan Straily
September 27, 2012Scherzer update
2:31
PM ETMax Scherzer | Tigers Recommend0Comments0EmailUPDATE: Smyly will start for Scherzer Friday, tweets Bob Nghtengale, robbing the Tigers of an opportunity to take another step toward the postseason with their best possible starter on the mound. There's no word on how long Scherzer will be out but there is time for him to make one more start in the regular season.
...
The Detroit Tigers appear to have dodged a bullet with Max Scherzer, who lasted only two innings in Tuesday's start against the Athletics with right-shoulder fatigue.
An MRI revealed no structural damage and 28-year-old will be reevaluated in a few days. The righthander says he can make his next start, although that's not guaranteed.
Any absence would be devastating for the Tigers, who are three games off the pace in the AL Central. Scherzer, the major league leader in strikeouts (224), entered the game 8-1 with a 2.61 ERA since the All-Star break and has settled in as the No. 2 starter behind Justin Verlander.
Left-hander Drew Smyly would likely move into the rotation if Scherzer needs to miss a start.
ESPN.com's Eric Karabell has more on Scherzer's early exit:
- Doug Mittler
Eric Karabell
Scherzer's status
"Scherzer, the major league strikeout leader and 19th among starting pitchers on the Player Rater, added four strikeouts to his total but his fastball velocity was noticeably down. No structural damage was found in Scherzer's shoulder, but don't be surprised if he misses his weekend outing against the Twins."
Tags
etroit Tigers, Max Scherzer, Drew Smyly
September 27, 2012SF without Melky for postseason
1:07
PM ETMelky Cabrera | Giants Recommend0Comments1EmailThe San Francisco Giants, who appears headed for the playoffs again, will not activate Melky Cabrera, reports Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com.
Instead, the Giants will use an outfield alignment of Angel Pagan, Gregor Blanco and Hunter Pence, plus either Xavier Nady, Justin Christian or Aubrey Huff, or even two of the above.
The Giants, who enter play Wednesday 25-12 without Cabrera, figure to play matchup with the left fielder, but Blanco figures to get most of the time when defense is the goal.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Melky Cabrera, Angel Pagan, Hunter Pence, Henry Blanco, Aubrey Huff, Xavier Nady, Justin Christian, San Francisco Giants
September 27, 2012Winter trade candidates
12:30
PM ETFuture Trade Candidates Recommend0Comments8EmailWhile several names rumored to be on the trade block this summer that didn't get moved may again be shopped this offseason, there are likely to be new names surfacing once the 2012 season is over and clubs look to reshape their rosters.
Denard Span, Justin Morneau, Josh Willingham, Josh Johnson, Matt Garza and Justin Upton could again be available, but so could Kansas City's Billy Butler, as the Royals search for impact starting pitching, as well as Cleveland's Shin-Soo Choo and Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury, two names that were mentioned but talks reportedly did not go very far in either instance.
Both Choo and Ellsbury will be a free agents after 2013, while Butler is signed through 2014 with a club option for 2015. The Royals could entertain offers for Gordon rather than Butler, especially if rivals hold out for a more valuable player -- Gordon can play the field well while Butler is relegated to DH duties -- in return for pitching. Prospect Wil Myers could replace Gordon in the field and eventually as a productive bat, if not right away.
Hunter Pence, who was traded to the Giants last month, could be on the move again as his 2013 salary figures to be north of $13 million via arbitration.
Jed Lowrie could also be shopped over the winter, as could fellow shortstop Yunel Escobar, Arizona outfielder Gerardo Parra. A player such as Upton, Butler, Gordon or Baltimore's J.J. Hardy, could be candidates for trade next summer if things fall just right, including health, performance and the development of players behind them.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:J.J. Hardy, Gerardo Parra, Jed Lowrie, Justin Upton, Shin-Soo Choo, Billy Butler, Alex Gordon, Jacoby Ellsbury, Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles
September 27, 2012Impact of Valverde hiring Boras
11:21
AM ETJose Valverde | Tigers Recommend0Comments2EmailJose Valverde has hired Scott Boras just weeks before he hits the free agent market, reports John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press. The move could very well change the closer's fortunes this offseason.
Valverde has not had a great season, posting 31 saves in 36 chances and a 4.02 ERA. He'll be 35 before the 2013 schedule begins and relievers flood the free agent market, as always.
As a result, Valverde, Boras client or not, may have to settle for a one-year deal this winter. Boras has been known to hold out for the extra year or the extra dollar, so his new client may be on the market beyond Christmas.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
September 27, 2012Cubs winter wish list
9:56
AM ETChicago Cubs Recommend0Comments4EmailThe Chicago Cubs have stood pat in terms of player acquisitions since Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein have taken the reins, instead choosing to lay low and wait for the right time to pounce. There may be indications that the club is ready to do so.
Courtesy of Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, Hoyer says that the Cubs have payroll flexibility and "we'll obviously be active in the free agent market. That's a big part of our research and work now is evaluating free agents. We have some money to spend and we'll focus on it heavily."
The Cubs are likely to begin with starting pitching but also could seek answers at third base, catcher and second base, as well as the bullpen.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Chicago Cubs
September 27, 2012Ramos or Suzuki in '13?
8:19
AM ETWashington Nationals Recommend0Comments0EmailWashington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo says the club;s No. 1 catcher will remain the injured Wilson Ramos in 2013, but that there will be plenty of playing time available for Kurt Suzuki.
Suzuki was acquired from the Oakland Athletics this summer and turned his season around with the Nats. Since the trade, the 28-year-old has batted .271 with a .322 on-base mark and five home runs, all significant improvements over his time in Oakland this season.
Ramos has been on the disabled list almost the entire season, but he's expected to recover fully in time for spring training.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Washington Nationals, Wilson Ramos, Kurt Suzuki
September 27, 2012Sanchez on KC's radar?
7:51
AM ETKansas City Royals Recommend0Comments0EmailAnibal Sanchez blanked the Kansas City Royals Tuesday, striking out 10 and yielding just thee hits. After witnessing such domination, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star wonders if the Royals didn't just get shut out by a future member of their starting rotation.
Sanchez will become a free agent after the season and his recent run of strong starts can only help his case. The Royals, however, appear ready to spend on the right starting pitcher.
Other options for GM Dayton Moore's club include right-hander's Kyle Lohse, Shaun Marcum and perhaps Dan Haren if the Angels declne their options -- which they are expected to do.
Sanchez is likely to draw interest from several teams and the Detroit Tigers may consider re-signing him.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Anibal Sanchez, Kansas City Royals, Shaun Marcum, Kyle Lohse, Detroit Tigers
September 27, 2012Starting pitching market
7:27
AM ETFree agent starters Recommend0Comments6EmailFree Agent Starting PItchersZack Greinke, RHPHiroki Kuroda, RHPEdwin Jackson, RHPBrandon McCarthy, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Ryan Dempster, RHPColby Lewis, RHPFrancisco Liriano, LHPKyle Lohse, RHPShaun Marcum, RHPDaisuke Matsuzaka, RHPRoy Oswalt, RHPJeremy Guthrie, RHPEvery offseason starting pitching is among the very hottest commodities. Clubs are trying to trade for it and the top names are being pursued by most teams looking to make a serious run at the World Series the following season. This year's free agent crop isn't as deep as some in recent years, but if some teams decline options on key names, it could become a buyer's market.
Among those with options that aren't sure things to be exercised by their respective clubs include right-hander Jake Peavy of the Chicago White Sox and Dan Haren of the Los Angeles Angels, as well as left-hander Paul Maholm of the Atlanta Braves. Braves veteran Tim Hudson may also be in such a position.
The Sox, Angels and Braves could decline the options and look to bring back their pitchers on multi-year deals -- Peavy's option for 2013, for example, would pay him $22 million, Haren's would pay him $15 million -- in attempt to save on the average annual value.
Greinke is likely to be coveted by many, including both L.A. teams, and perhaps the Orioles, Yankees and Reds, and Kuroda has done nothing but improve his stock from last winter with a strong year in the Bronx.
One club that may be a few starting pitchers away from jumping back atop their division is the Milwaukee Brewers, who dealt Greinke in July. They figure to lose Marcum to free agency, but they could make a play for a few No. 2 or 3 starter types.
Dempster's free agency should be entertaining; the Dodgers tried to get him at the deadline and he reportedly wanted to go there, so it's conceivable he could land there over the offseason.
The Rays are not likely to decline their option on James Shields, but could entertain trade offers for the right-hander. The White Sox and Angels have options to consider on Gavin Floyd and Ervin Santana, too.
- Jason A. Churchill
Fangraphs.com | Dave Cameron
Tough call for Angels?
"Before the season, this looked like a lock to be picked up, but Haren has struggled with back problems that have led to reduced velocity, and in turn, his worst season since his rookie season in 2002. However, an offseason of rest could solve all of his issues, and he's had stretches of effectiveness this season, including his most recent few starts in September. However, Haren's strikeout rate has been trending in the wrong direction for four years now, and even early in the season, he wasn't the same front-line starter he was with the Arizona Diamondbacks. At a net cost of $12 million, the question for the Angels will really come down to whether they can afford to keep both Haren and free-agent starter Zack Greinke, or if they need to choose between them. If picking up Haren's option stands in the way of retaining Greinke, then paying the buyout and hoping to bring him back at a lower salary seems like the best bet. If they don't believe they can re-sign Greinke, however, then they can allocate a few million that would have gone toward keeping him to picking up Haren's option, making sure they don't lose two starters in one fell swoop this winter. Verdict: Decline if they can re-sign Greinke, exercise if they can't."
Tags
etroit Tigers, Anibal Sanchez, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, Paul Maholm, Tim Hudson, Jake Peavy, Gavin Floyd, Ervin Santana, Dan Haren, Shaun Marcum, Francisco Liriano, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Ryan Dempster, James Shields, Zack Greinke
September 27, 2012Aardsma's role for NYY
7:03
AM ETDavid Aardsma | Yankees Recommend0Comments0EmailThe New York Yankees could get a boost from David Aardsma, who joined the team in Minnesota and expects to be activated soon, reports Jeff Bradley of the Newark Star-Ledger.
Aardsma, who recorded 32 saves for Seattle two years ago, has recovered from Tommy John surgery and is looking to get on the mound for the first time in more than two years.
If he proves fully healthy, or close to it, Aardsma could be a key addition for the Yankees over the season's final 10 days, and possibly in the postseason, providing a chance to rest David Robertson, David Phelps, and even Rafael Soriano.
There's likely to be some soft landings for a short while, but if he handles them well, Aardsma could be an option late in games next month.